Need advise: Full Day Tour Service in Christchurch and Auckland.?

Question

Dear Friends,

I find too many options for full day tour service in Christchurch and Auckland.

Would somebody give me input which operator should I choose?

Respectfully,

Erwin

Answer 1

The person below has answered Christchurch quite well so I will concentrate on Auckland..

Firstly I suggest you check out http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com where there is a huge list of Auckland activities.

The bus pass allows you to get on and off where you want for all the places a tour would take you.

Suggested places to go:

Downtown - Viaduct basin,Sky tower, Maritime Museum,( I love this - it is right on the waterfront by the viaduct basin)  bus out to Kelly Tarlton's aquarium, Mission Bay , bus to the Auckland museum, ( great Maori section and a concert 3 times daily,) look at the Cathedral( both the new modern one and the smaller historic totally wooden one) this is a close walk to museum. Parnell shopping, Newmarket shopping all a walk from museum.Also just below the museum are 2 glass houses and a small bush walk- really nice area - catch a ferry from Auckland to Devonport - walk up North Head - great views, ferry to Waiheke Island, or Rangitoto Island - you can either walk to the top or catch a little train.

Auckland city - walk up into Albert Park, go to Art Gallery, ( near the university) Aotea Square- often a market there, Try and see inside the Civic picture theatre - it is lovely.

Check out the website for other things.

You could also take a train to west Auckland.

I agree you may be better to just do the things that appeal most.

Christchurch is a much smaller city so most things are central.Again if you go to the Christchurch page on that website there are a lot of suggestions for you.

Answer 2

Hi Erwin.

I have spent a lot of time in both cities. My recommendations are 'not' to take a tour but to see each city by foot on your own.

If you pick up a lonely planet guide or rough guide from your local library they will have details on the highlights in both areas. The cities are then easily seen on foot or by using a local bus.

Christchurch highlights - The Arts Centre and Museum, Botanical Gardens, Regent Street, Cathedral Square (the centre and also the location of the in formation centre for free maps etc.) The Christchurch Historic tram links all these places together a day ticket will allow you to hop on and off. Many people also like the Antartic centre a little further out by the airport - you could go and see this museum on your way back to the airport - alteernatively there is an airport bus which rides this route so its also easily accessible.

For something different take a local bus (the Lyttelton Bus) and ask the driver to stop at the Gondola (this is a cable car and will give you awesome views of the Christchurch area and a great opportunity to walk in the Port Hills)

Auckland is very much a working city and lacks many sights to see really (I am sure many Aucklanders will disagree however!) You could visit Kelly Tarltons Aquarium, sit and drink Coffee in the lovely suburb od Ponsonby or Parnell or simply spend the time shopping along Queen Street. Personally I like the modern 'Viaduct' area down on the waterfront. For something a little different take a bus to Mount Edens and climb the top of an old volcano (its not as scary as it sounds) for excellent views over the Auckland area.

Have a look at thess link for a few more ideas and unbiased views of the cities

Good Luck.